The Vikings' defense intercepted Jameis Winston three times - Minnesota's first takeaways of the season - and held the Buccaneers to 26 yards rushing in another decisive home victory.

The Bucs' stumble is much like a year ago, when Tampa Bay won an impressive opener against Atlanta, only to take a 40-7 loss at Arizona on the road, with multiple injuries that carried into the rest of the seasn.

"We did a good job trying to push the pocket and get after him for the whole game", defensive tackle Shamar Stephen said.

The Vikings drove 75 yards on the game's first possession with a heavy dose of Cook and one big play by Keenum to Thielen.

The Bucs' offense came to life somewhat in the third quarter.

As has become a weekly tradition, Xavier Rhodes shadowed top Bucs receiver Mike Evans and gave him very few opportunities to make an impact.

The Buccaneers also had trouble pressuring the Vikings' quarterback, though they tried a variety of blitzes during the game. Trae Waynes' first two games did not live up the the Vikings' expectations coming out of camp, but he played a role in limiting the former Philadelphia and Washington star receiver.

Tampa Bay will enter the game without two starters on defense: LB Kwon Alexander (hamstring) and DT Chris Baker (illness) did not practice this week. The Vikings turned that takeaway into a long touchdown drive and the game was never closer than a 14-point margin again.